The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency said it plans to open a shelter tonight as a precautionary measure for residents who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas and may experience flooding from the tropical distrubance in the Gulf of Mexico.

Baldwin County EMA Assistant Director Roy Wulff said a shelter will open at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Robertsdale at 22703 Racine St. No other shelters are scheduled to open, unless the need arises, Wulff said.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, meanwhile, announced that it is opening an emergency shelter in Mobile County. People residing in low-lying, flood prone areas in Zone 1 and areas east of Interstate-65 and south of Interstate-10 should seek shelter with family and friends or at the following shelters, Red Cross officials advised.

The Mobile County shelter is at Theodore High School, 6201 Swedetown Road.